Health Sciences (HS)

Visit the Course Schedule Search website to find out when courses will be offered during the academic year.

Read more about the courses within this subject prefix in the descriptions provided below.

HS 406 - Introduction to Health Sciences

Credits: 1

This introductory course is designed to expose students to the broad, interdisciplinary field of health sciences. It will provide students an overview of the prerequisite knowledge that will prepare an individual to pursue a career in any number of allied health professions. In this course, students will explore basic foundational concepts pertinent to a complex, ever-evolving healthcare field.

Equivalent(s): AT 406

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

HS 501 - Medical Terminology

Credits: 2

This course is an introduction to common medical terminology and vocabulary used by a variety of professionals in the healthcare field; terminology related to organ systems, disease diagnosis and pathophysiology will be emphasized. The origin, roots, prefixes, suffixes, and relevant abbreviations and acronyms of common medical and clinical terms are examined in a systems-based approach.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

HS 605 - Exploration of Allied Health Professions

Credits: 2

Explore and understand duties, responsibilities, and common work schedules of allied health professions. Complete 10 hours of observation with each profession: athletic training, physical therapy, and physician assistant. Students may substitute observation of other professions by submitting written justification to, and upon permission of course instructor.

Grade Mode: Credit/Fail Grading

HS 656 - Musculoskeletal Pathologies for Health Professions

Credits: 4

Introduces the student to the musculoskeletal injuries common to allied health professions. Cognitive knowledge on anatomy, injury pathology, assessment and diagnosis. In conjunction with HS 657, Musculoskeletal Pathologies for Health Professions Lab, this course prepares the student for continued education in allied health professions.

Co-requisite: HS 657

Prerequisite(s): BMS 507 with a minimum grade of C- and BMS 508 with a minimum grade of C-.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

HS 657 - Musculoskeletal Pathologies for Health Professions Lab

Credits: 1

The practical application of the knowledge attaining in HS 656. Students will learn & perform anatomical landmark palpation, injury assessment procedures & techniques, and taping & wrapping procedures. This course, in conjunction with HS 656, prepares the students for further education at the graduate level.

Co-requisite: HS 656

Prerequisite(s): BMS 507 with a minimum grade of C- and BMS 508 with a minimum grade of C-.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

HS 696 - Independent Study

Credits: 2-4

An advanced, individual scholarly project under the direct supervision of a faculty member.

Repeat Rule: May be repeated for a maximum of 8 credits.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

HS 699H - Honors Project

Credits: 4

Project first involves tutorial sessions to introduce the student to the experimental design, after which a research question is developed. After an appropriate literature review, the student collects and analyzes data, forms conclusions, and prepares a written report on the findings.

Attributes: Honors course

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

HS 702 - From Lab to Life: Interpretation of Research to Guide Clinical Practice

Credits: 4

This course equips students with the skills to advance clinical practice through evidence-based and translational research. Topics include differentiating research types, utilizing database search strategies, and navigating the research journey. Ethical considerations, including the use of AI and research integrity, are emphasized. Students will critically analyze research articles, develop innovative solutions for health and wellness, explore career opportunities in clinical research, and assess disparities in health outcomes among underrepresented populations.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

View Course Learning Outcomes

  1. Recognize the significance of evidence-based practice and translational research in advancing clinical practice and healthcare outcomes.
  2. Differentiate between lab-based sciences, human subjects research, and translational research. Identify and compare qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research.
  3. Utilize public database search strategies to find credible research sources, and evaluate the trustworthiness of online and social media resources.
  4. Describe the research journey from securing funding and IRB approval to data collection, publication, and future research question formulation.
  5. Discuss ethical issues and regulatory requirements, including ethical use of AI, plagiarism, and healthcare burden from unethical research.
  6. Critically discuss research articles, explore theoretical models for outcomes assessment, and how these apply research findings to clinical guidelines and policy changes.
  7. Develop and present innovative solutions to improve health and wellness, based upon reliable evidence-based practice.
  8. Explore career opportunities in clinical research, emphasizing the role of clinician researchers and ongoing professional development.
  9. Analyze the representation of underrepresented groups in clinical research and evaluate the resulting disparities in health outcomes.

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HS 717 - Cultural Considerations in Health Care

Credits: 4

Capstone course to introduce concepts of culture, cultural humility, and diversity as related to professional practice for students preparing for careers in healthcare professions. Patient-centered course teaching students about patient types, and how to appropriately consider and care for those with differing cultural backgrounds, beliefs and practices.

Attributes: Writing Intensive Course

Repeat Rule: May be repeated for a maximum of 10 credits.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

HS 741 - The Art and Science of Healthcare Practice: Integrating Clinical Knowledge with Professional Skills

Credits: 4

Explore concepts of effective healthcare practice, including professionalism, communication skills, clinical reasoning, and interprofessional collaboration. Develop essential skills for navigating healthcare practice, enhancing patient care, and working collaboratively with diverse healthcare teams. Practical exercises provide students with the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in realistic settings. Students develop a strong understanding of how to contribute effectively to interprofessional teams in delivering high-quality, patient-centered care.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

View Course Learning Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate understanding of the principles of professionalism in healthcare, including ethical behavior, professional standards, and the role of healthcare providers in society.
  2. Recognize the role of communication in improving patient outcomes.
  3. Explore the impact of professionalism on patient care and interprofessional relationships.
  4. Examine the concept of burnout among healthcare providers, and strategies to prevent and manage burnout.
  5. Demonstrate communication skills essential for effective healthcare practice to promote collaborative, patient-centered care.
  6. Apply conflict resolution and communication strategies to facilitate interprofessional collaboration.
  7. Recognize differences in the culture of healthcare through comparisons of various models, including but not limited to the biomedical and biopsychosocial models.
  8. Understand the role of technology in healthcare related to patient education, communication, and disease management.
  9. Understand the role of interprofessional collaboration in effective patient care.
  10. Develop clinical reasoning skills to improve decision-making and patient care.
  11. Evaluate the significance of evidence-based practice in healthcare.

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HS 767 - Pharmacology for Health Professions

Credits: 4

This course will be an introduction to the general principles of pharmacology, the organ systems affected by the various drug types, and drug classifications as appropriate for future allied health professionals. Students will also explore common prescribing in various practice settings as well as the applicable U.S. laws relative to the sale, supply, and administration of drugs.

Prerequisite(s): CHEM 403 with a minimum grade of C- and CHEM 404 with a minimum grade of C-.

Equivalent(s): AT 667, KIN 667

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

HS 770 - General Medical Conditions for Health Professions

Credits: 4

This course will be an introduction to the general medical conditions commonly diagnosed and treated among allied health professionals, with emphasis on disease etiology, pathophysiology, signs and symptoms, diagnostic procedures, and therapeutic measures involved in treatment.

Prerequisite(s): BMS 507 with a minimum grade of C- and BMS 508 with a minimum grade of C-.

Equivalent(s): AT 670

Grade Mode: Letter Grading